Stuart Cumming
Reporter
Stuart studied journalism at the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba. He worked briefly at Central Queensland News and Warwick Daily News. He has worked as a reporter at The Chronicle since July 2009.

"I didn't know if he was alive or dead to tell you the truth," she said.

She tried to roll him onto his side and told passers-by to call emergency services.

Mr Kahl started to regain consciousness about five minutes later and was taken to hospital.

Ms McCrohon met with Mr Kahl on his request about five months ago.

She said he was very emotional and thanked her for helping him.

"He broke down crying when he thanked me," she said.

"He has had a terrible time trying to readjust."

Ms McCrohon's career included 20 years as a New South Wales police officer, six years as a principal intelligence officer for the former Criminal Justice Commission and 17 years working as an intelligence officer for Sunshine Coast police.

She retired due to health concerns in 2012.

She said the 18 month sentence with immediate parole imposed on Mr Richards on Monday made her question the effectiveness of the justice system.

"I just wonder about the king hit policy," she said. "What happened there?

"The police put a lot of time and effort into the investigating these incidents for such little reward to the community.

"I think a lot of the community are quite unsatisfied with court results these days."

A spokeswoman for Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath said the courts decided matters based on the fact before them.